BRAZIL v IVORY COAST:SVEN-GORAN Eriksson is hoping to start Didier Drogba against Brazil tomorrow. Drogba, who played 25 minutes for Ivory Coast against Portugal with his fractured elbow snug-tight in a protective cast, has trained all week and Eriksson believes his health has "improved markedly" since his side's opening game.
“Do not be surprised if Drogba starts the next game against Brazil,” said Eriksson.
“He made a valuable contribution when he was on the pitch against Portugal. He is an important player in the team and his health has improved markedly.”
Drogba’s inclusion will give added oomph to what is surely the biggest game of the tournament so far. And Eriksson, in his understated way, believes his team are ready.
“It is going to be a difficult game, but looking at what we did against Portugal, we are capable of creating a surprise.”
Brazil are certainly hoping Eriksson does not dilute Ivory Coast’s attacking instincts. Coach Dunga, likes his team to play on the counter – to exploit gaps and strike hard and fast on the break - but in their opening match they were smothered by a red blanket of North Korean defenders.
“We don’t think Ivory Coast will come out defending so much,” Robinho said. “It’s a very tough challenge when the other team is only trying to defend, it becomes very complicated for us.”
Dunga is expected to start with the 11 that opened against North Korea, with Kaka, who looks still far from his best as he slowly recovers from a groin injury, kept as a central playmaker.
“When Kaka plays well he can decide any game,” said Robinho. “He is very important to us.”
Julio Cesar, already unhappy with the eccentricities of the Jabulani ball – “an occupational hazard” – and the negative tactics of North Korea, has found another target to complain about: the cold weather. “You do your best, you use a special powder, but when you have nothing to do, it’s very bad in the cold,” he said.
“You have to try to keep warm and keep concentrating in case you’re suddenly called upon to take part in the game.”
Guardian Service
